Happiest man Kottan

Bangladesh's victory against India last night finally gave coach George Kottan something to cheer about after his more than two-year's stint with the team.

And the Austro-Hungarian coach made no attempt to hide his emotions after his charges lorded over India throughout the semifinal clash of the third SAFF Championship.

"I am the happiest man today. My team lived up to my expectation," said a beaming Kottan after the match.

"I will not make any comment on the chances my team spoiled during the whole match because they won in the end with a spectacular golden goal from (Matiur) Munna.

"That was the best goal of the tournament so far, and, I think, everybody will agree with me," said Kottan, whose contract as an AFC sponsored coach has already expired last month.

Kottan, whose future with the Bangladesh football remained uncertain because of the BFF's (Bangladesh Football Federation's) lack of initiative, observed that his team still lacked the killer instinct.

"But what really inspiring was the way they have started to peaking their game," said Kottan.

"If they can continue to improve like this, I am sure we will win the final on Monday.

"It was a great match. India also played better than I expected. Their number 10 (IM Vijayan) is a good player."

He however declined to make any further comment on the final against Maldives.

"It would be too premature to say anything on the final now. We haven't thought of it yet. Let's enjoy tonight and begin the home work tomorrow morning," Kottan joked.

Kottan's Indian number Stephen Constantine was not available in his team's press briefing. Indian manager Debu Mukherjee claimed that India were deprived of a penalty in the first half.

"The refereeing was poor," he said. "I congratulate Bangladesh for the win. Specially, the goal Munna scored was awesome."